Your Imperial Highness!
For over a fortnight now I have again been afflicted with a headache which is plaguing me. I have kept on hoping that the pain would subside, bug in vain. Now that the weather is improving, however, my doctor has promised me an early recovery. As I regarded every day as the last one of my ailment, I did not send you word about it, partly too because I fancied that, since Your Imperial Highness had not sent for me for so long, you did not require my services – During the festivities in honour of the Princess of Baden and when Your Imperial Highness was hampered by your sore finger I began to work rather hard; and one of the fruits of this diligence is a new pianoforte trio [Opus 97]. Since I was very much taken up with my own affairs I did not think that Your Imperial Highness would be annoyed with me, as I am now almost inclined to believe that you are – Meanwhile I hope soon to be able to appear in person before your tribunal.
Your Imperial Highness’s
Faithful and most devoted servant
Ludwig van Beethoven